Thanksgiving Holiday Allergy Hacks: How to Be a Good Guest & Stay Safe (Food, Pets, Perfume)

Thanksgiving and holiday get-togethers are supposed to be fun, but when you have food allergies, asthma, or environmental sensitivities, being a guest can come with a lot of stress. Today, your bestie allergist moms are breaking down simple, real-life hacks on how to navigate the holidays safely and politely.

In this practical episode of Allergy Actually, Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd share their top tips for being a thoughtful guest and managing potential pitfalls. They cover everything from communicating your needs ahead of time to navigating pet dander, powerful perfumes, and food potlucks without feeling awkward or being a burden. This is your essential guide to enjoying the moments that matter without sacrificing your health.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:
The #1 rule for guests with allergies: Safety first, followed by clear communication.
Pro tips for communicating food allergy needs to non-allergy family members (and finding safe restaurant options).
The reality of pet dander: why locking the cat up doesn't eliminate the allergen and how to pre-treat your symptoms.
Why taking a *break* (a walk, a moment alone) is crucial self-care during overwhelming family gatherings.
Why perfumes and strong scents are becoming significant triggers, and how to politely manage personal fragrance use as a guest.
A specific medication regimen you can discuss with your doctor to pre-treat pet or environmental allergies before entering a host's home.
Why your emergency inhaler (Albuterol) should be used early in a flare-up, not just in an emergency.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:53 The Importance of Taking Breaks & Self-Care During Gatherings
03:11 Communicating Food Allergy Needs to Hosts (Kara's Egg Allergy Story)
05:00 Navigating Pet Allergies: Communication, Pre-Treatment & Exit Plans
06:23 The Reality of Pet Dander: Why Vacuuming Isn't Enough
06:27 Pro-Tips for Pre-Treating Environmental/Pet Allergies
08:15 Final Thoughts on Perfume & Fragrances

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ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.
Website → https://drkarawada.com/
LinkedIn →   / karawadamd  
Instagram →   / immuneconfidentmd  
Facebook →   / karawadamd  
Youtube →    / @drkarawada  
TikTok →   / immuneconfidentmd  

AMBER PATTERSON, MD
Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni ILIT Learning Network.
Website → https://auniallergy.com/
Instagram →   / auniallergy  
Instagram →   / amber_patterson_md  
Facebook →   / auniallergy  
Youtube →    / @auniallergy  

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.
Website → https://shepherdallergy.com/
LinkedIn →   / meagan-shepherd-md-02b7776a  
Instagram →   / shepherdallergy  
Facebook →   / shepherdallergy  

DISCLAIMER
The information in this podcast/video is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.